Why some photos are memorable for all the wrong reasons…

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©MRandin

The Jogyesa Temple was our first stop on our tour of Seoul that day. As I stepped out of the little mini van, I saw a man sitting on the stairs trying desperately to get something wild, in a plastic bag, under control.

A few minutes later and he managed to pull out the live, mini octopus that had being trying to escape his grasp.  I wasn’t prepared for this. And I was even less prepared to see him try and ingest it.

It was when he let the live tentacles squirm around outside his mouth for all the passersby to see, that I decided it was time for a photo.

It’s not the best perspective of this beautiful temple, but at least it stopped my breakfast from making an appearance.

When East met West…. and then decided to travel together

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©MRandin

According to many blogs and websites, travelling is a great way of consolidating a relationship. I couldn’t agree more. In my case it was my first backpacking holiday with M. in Cabo Verde that helped me realise he was indeed my man for life. He valiantly supported three hours of verbal insults as we hiked in beach sandals, over rocky terrain in 40 degree weather, across the Cape Verdian island of Santa Antao. Continue reading

After an Indian holiday: Why there’s now more of me to hug…

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… Okay, so maybe averaging four meals a day didn’t help. But I wanted M. to try all my favourite dishes and he was more than willing to oblige! And the further south you go the better the food gets (and yes, that’s a highly objective opinion!).

Here’s a list of a few of my favourite things to eat in India. Continue reading

Why borrowed slippers, eunuchs and video cameras make for an interesting train ride in India

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Fire extinguishers at the Canacona train station in Goa. (©MRandin)

George Winters said, “If God had really intended men to fly, he’d make it easier to get to the airport”, which is why we decided to take the train to Udipi – my dad’s hometown. Continue reading

Goa: The state of ‘sosgado’

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Juggling on Patnem Beach. ©MRandin

A man, with matted hair sits in the lotus position with his face raised to the sun. A few metres down the beach, a 30 something woman, sporting a bright pink sun dress, cavorts through the waves playing a three note tune on a tiny flute. Welcome to Patnem beach in the south of Goa – a place which fulfils every tired cliché about the state’s famous hippie culture. Continue reading